Tatarstan’s Tourism Industry to Receive Major Boost with New Holiday Destinations by 2027

Published on July 4, 2025

Tatarstan stands to get a significant shot in the arm for its tourism sector as the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation is investing 500 million rubles towards the construction of tourism infrastructure. As part of this investment aimed at building the tourism potential of the region, 510 new holiday sites will be developed by 2027. This is the ambitious initiative of the State Committee for Tourism of Tatarstan following a federal contest where 29 regional tourism projects were granted funds to build modular non-capital facilities like glamping and health resorts.

Strategic Federal Investment in Tourism Infrastructure

The 500 million rubles awarded to Tatarstan will be allocated for the creation of new tourism infrastructure as part of the federal program known as “Tourism and Hospitality,” which is overseen by Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The funds will help construct a variety of tourism-related facilities, including glamping sites, camping tents, national tourist routes, and improvements to city centers, among other things. The competition attracted 84 regions, with a total fund of 27 billion rubles available for distribution.

As part of the competition’s stipulations, a key requirement for receiving the subsidies was the initiation of projects by established businesses that already had operational infrastructures. For example, large companies and regional sanatoriums from Tatarstan formed the backbone of the winning projects, as they were viewed as low-risk investments with established operational models. This decision was made by the competition committee, which prioritized projects that had ready-to-use engineering infrastructure, deeming them more reliable than new ventures in undeveloped areas.

VIP Glamping and Health Resorts Lead the Charge

The growing trend of VIP glamping and health resorts in Tatarstan has become a focal point of this federal initiative. These projects are designed to cater to a growing market for luxury and wellness tourism, offering high-end accommodation in natural settings. Despite the increasing popularity of glamping, it was reported that no new glamping entrepreneurs made it to the final stages of the competition. Instead, the winning projects predominantly consisted of existing sanatoriums and large-scale tourism ventures, which already had functioning infrastructures, making them more attractive to investors and grant committees.

According to Yevgeny Terentyev, the head of the Health Resorts of Tatarstan association, the shift in priorities was clear. Projects located in special protected natural areas and near major highways such as M-4 Don, M-8 Kholmogory, M-11 Neva, and M-12 Vostok were given an advantage. This was seen as a practical move since such projects not only ensure greater tourism flow but also bring in income and taxes, which are vital for local economies. He emphasized that established businesses were favored over new, untested ventures, as these businesses posed minimal risks for failure.

Tatarstan: A Regional Leader in Tourism Development

Tatarstan’s performance in the competition places it among the leaders of Russia’s tourism industry. With a total of 39 applications submitted, Tatarstan’s projects received an impressive 1.3 billion rubles in total subsidies. The region is expected to significantly increase its tourism capacity, making it a key destination in Russia. According to Dmitry Chernyshenko, these funds are aimed at enhancing the infrastructure for autotourism, creating tourist routes, improving city centers, and supporting tourism events and festivals.

Tatarstan is not the only region to benefit from this program. Other regions such as Krasnodar Krai, Moscow, Sverdlovsk, and Nizhny Novgorod are also among the leaders in securing funds for tourism infrastructure development. These investments are expected to bring substantial economic growth and increase tourist traffic in these areas, creating more job opportunities and boosting the local economy.

Co-Funding and the Role of Private Investors

One of the key conditions for receiving the subsidies is that at least 50% of the project costs must be covered by the project initiators. This ensures that private investors have a vested interest in the success of these ventures, and it reduces the financial burden on the state. As a result, a significant portion of the funds will be used for the development of infrastructure, including the construction of non-capital berthing structures, the purchase of tourist equipment, and the improvement of existing tourist centers.

The competition provided businesses with an opportunity to expand their operations without significantly increasing the cost of services for customers. Vladimir Kudashov, a local businessman, noted that the subsidies offer a valuable chance for businesses to scale up their offerings, particularly in terms of adding new rooms and improving the tourism infrastructure. Historically, the tourism sector faced difficulties acquiring new buildings and updating technical equipment, but now, with state assistance, businesses can expand their capabilities.

Future Prospects and Long-Term Growth

Looking beyond 2027, the success of these projects could set the stage for future federal initiatives in Tatarstan and other regions. The grants were awarded for three years, providing the region with ample time to implement and perfect its tourism infrastructure projects. This long-term approach could pave the way for even greater developments in the future, potentially contributing to the diversification of Russia’s tourism sector.

Tatarstan’s position as a leader in tourism development will be crucial in drawing more international tourists to the region, particularly in light of the growing demand for unique travel experiences. With an increasing number of travelers seeking high-end glamping experiences and wellness retreats, Tatarstan’s investment in these areas is timely and poised to meet the needs of a new generation of tourists.

Conclusion

Tatarstan tourism is about to undergo the most revolutionary change with the federal financing of the development of 510 new resorts for holidays until 2027. VIP glamping camps and health resorts, along with tried-and-tested businesses, as the new focus of Russian tourism, present a mix of innovation and consistency. Through the strategic positioning of Tatarstan, the development of the infrastructure, and the concentration of luxury tourism focus of the region, one of the leaders of the Russian tourism industry in the future is clearly predicted to be the region of Tatarstan.

References: State Committee of the Republic of Tatarstan for Tourism, Tatarstan Ministry of Economy